TV: Introduction to TV Drama

Introduction to TV Drama: Blog tasks


Use our Media Factsheet archive on the M: drive Media Shared (M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets) or on Google Drive here (you'll need your Greenford Google login) to find Media Factsheet #164 on Television Serial Drama. 

Read the whole of Factsheet and answer the following questions to show your comprehensive knowledge of the television drama genre:

1) What is serial television drama? Write your own definition. Serial television drama is a TV programme that tells a story over multiple episodes, with continuing story lines and character development. Each episode contributes to an ongoing narrative, encouraging audiences to watch regularly to follow the story and see how events develop.


2) List five of the TV dramas discussed in the history of the genre on page 1 of the factsheet. How has the genre evolved over time? Coronation Street, Doctor Who, Hill Street Blues, The Sopranos, Lost

3) List the sub-genres of TV drama featured in the factsheet. Come up with your own example of an existing TV drama to fit each category. Crime drama – Sherlock, Medical drama – Grey's Anatomy, Period drama / historical drama – Downton Abbey, Teen drama – Sex Education, Sci-fi drama – Stranger Things, Political drama – House of Cards

4) Why is setting so important for TV drama? Setting is important because it helps establish the world of the story and influences the narrative, themes and characters

5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!) TV dramas usually focus on a range of characters with different personalities, motivations and relationships. Characters often develop over time, allowing audiences to become emotionally invested in their stories.

6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative. A multi-strand narrative is when a TV drama follows several different story lines at the same time, often involving multiple characters or groups. An example is Game of Thrones, which follows many characters and story lines across different locations that eventually connect.

7) What is a cold opening? A cold opening is when a TV programme begins with a short scene before the opening titles or theme music.

8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials? Todorov’s theory suggests that narratives follow a structure of equilibrium, disruption, recognition, repair and new equilibrium. In TV drama, an episode may start with a normal situation, introduce a problem or conflict, and then show characters attempting to resolve it. 

9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience? TV dramas usually follow a series format with multiple episodes, often lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. They are distributed through television broadcasting, cable channels, and increasingly through online streaming platforms where audiences can watch episodes on demand.

10) How have subscription channels (such as HBO) and streaming services (such as Netflix and Amazon Prime) changed the form and content of TV dramas? Subscription channels and streaming platforms have allowed TV dramas to become more cinematic, experimental and complex.

11) Choose a TV drama and do your own analysis of it using the SETTING / CHARACTERS / NARRATIVE / FORM headings as featured on page 3 of the factsheet. STRANGER THINGS: Setting - The show is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana in the 1980s. The small-town setting creates a sense of nostalgia and contrasts with the mysterious supernatural events. Characters - The series focuses on a group of young friends along with their families and local authorities. Each character has a clear personality and development, which helps audiences connect emotionally with them. Narrative - The narrative includes multiple storylines, such as the disappearance of Will, the secret government experiments, and the supernatural world known as the Upside Down. Form - The show is structured in seasons released on a streaming platform, encouraging binge-watching. Episodes end with cliffhangers to keep audiences engaged and wanting to continue watching.

12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future? The TV drama genre will likely continue to evolve as technology and audience habits change. Audiences might see more international productions, diverse representation and experimental storytelling styles.

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